WORK AND WAGES.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 323, 12 July 1912, Page 5

WORK AND WAGES.

THE REEFTON DISPUTE. By Telegraph—Press Association. Reefton, Yesterday. With reference to the application for protection by the consolidated group of mines, the Warden last night visited the ground, and lengthy legal argument was held. This morning the Warden strongly advised a permanent settlement through an appeal under clause 11 of the. Arbitration award to an arbitrator appointed by the Court. The matter was aimost agreed on, except the resumption of.work. This the company refused to permit unless it could work the popper drill single-handed. This the union refused. After a lengthy discussion the parties adjourned till 12.30, when hopes of some arrangement were held out. Later. No arrangement re arbitration was come to, and the case was resumed. No evidence was taken, the warden granting protection for three months, subject to the company moving the Arbitration Court within fourteen days, the three months' protection to Japse fourteen days after the decision. Counsel for the Inangahua Miners' Union (Mr. P. J. O'Regun) would not consent. The question of costs was held over.

THE TIMARU TROUBLE. Timaru, Last Night. The wharf workers' strike over two non-unionist railway hands was settled to-day. Mr. Scmple interviewed the stationmastcr and the two men, and an agreement was arrived at that they should withdraw from the Railway Servants' Society and join the AVaterside Workers' Union, but to remain as special railway workers, to be sent from wharf to wharf as the stationmaster required, instead of being amenable to the union. A rule was incorporated that a man must finish a boat he started on before going to another. Work will be resumed tomorrow. It is not possible to-day, owing to heavy rain. One non-unionist tally clerk will be objected to in turn. Notice has been given that he must join the union or be put off under a threat that no work will be 1 done. The union claim that they have raised wages, benefiting all, and that it is unfair that a few should not contribute to the union funds.

A HAIRDRESSERS' AWARD. Christchureh, Last Night. An agreement was arrived at before the Council of Conciliation in the hairdressers' and tobacconists' assistants' dispute, on the following basis:—Fifty-two hours per week, not later than 8 p.m. on throe days, not later than 6 p.m. on one day. not later than 1 p.m. on the weekly half-holiday, and work to cease at !).15 p.m. on Saturdays. Minimum wage, £2 13s. THE OTAGO TROUBLE. Dunedin, Last Night. The executive of the O.tago Coal Miners' Association has called a meeting of the Kaitahgata members of the union for Saturday evening, to receive the answer of the directors and consider the future course of action. Mr. Semple, organiser of the Federation of Labor, and another member of the executive will be present.